Treatments and Therapies
Call 502.868.5600We understand that battling cancer can have enough challenges. That is why we design one-of-a-kind care plans that cater each patient’s distinct needs, and developed a support program through our nurse navigators and patient care coordinators. Together they reassure and guide patients and families through all the uncertainties of cancer treatment. We offer advanced technology, emerging therapies and treatment options to benefit patients at each step of their journey. Like each patient, treatment is personal and individual and can vary depending on many factors. Some patients, whose cancer is discovered in the early stages, may only need minor treatment, while others may benefit from advanced therapies.
Connect with Us
Medical Oncology
CKCC medical oncology and hematology services treat cancer and blood disorders through injection and infusion therapy, using traditional chemotherpy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy is considered a systemic treatment and works to stop the growth of cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps the immune system identify cancer cells to attack and kill them. Both chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be used alone or together. They may also be used with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. Each treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the patient to provide the best possible outcomes. Infusion suites are semi-private, with comfortable chairs and televisions for patients and their families.
Radiation Oncology
The radiation oncology program, under the supervision of the radiation oncologist, at CKCC offers a number of state-of-the-art therapies for cancer treatment including:
- Computed Tomography (CT): used to create detailed cross-sectional images of a patient
- Linear Accelerator (LINAC): used for external beam radiation treatments targeted to destroy cancer cells
- Full spectrum radiotheraphy including:
- IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy)
- IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy)
- SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy)
- SRS (stereotactic radiosurgery for cranial lesions
These therapies offer several benefits to physicians and patients alike including the ability for physicians to see tumors in real time and more precise positioning of the patient’s body for accurate treatment planning. For patients, targeting radiation treatments with pinpoint precision decreases the need for additional incisions or surgery, minimizes the exposure of radiation to nearby healthy tissue and organs, and offers faster recovery after treatment.
Our radiology team also includes two-full time specialists from UK Medical Center: a medical dosimetrist, who will work with the oncology team to create a plan to deliver the prescribed dose of radiation to patients; and a medical physicist, who helps to design patient treatment plans for high-precision treatments by using physics to model and measure how radiation interacts with tissues in the body.
Clinical Trials
Central Kentucky Cancer Care patients have access to clinical trials through the reputable UK Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute designated cancer center. Together, we work with patients and their families to determine if a clinical trial is a good option.
Skin, Wound, and Ostomy Care
Depending upon the type of cancer and the length of treatment, sometimes patients have issues that require additional care. We employ a full-time wound and ostomy nurse who works closely with you and your care team. As an expert in wound and ostomy care, your nurse provides education and support both before and after certain procedures or treatments. The goal is prevention first, by recommending appropriate measures to avert and manage skin breakdown related to immobility, fragile skin, incontinence and/or radiation therapy.
The nurse may also provide recommendations to patients or family members for a variety of needs, when you return home, such as, caring for new or existing ostomies, assisting with correcting or containing fecal or urinary incontinence, or introducing cost-effective management measures through various services.
Rehabilitation
The Rehabilitation Team offers physical, occupational and speech therapies for all ages. Our highly trained clinicians perform evaluations that include medical history and physical examination, to determine each patient’s needs. We then work with the patients to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan to promote functional gains and achieve their maximum potential.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized, holistic medical care for people living with serious illness, focused on providing relief from symptoms and stresses with the goal of improving quality of life for the patient and their families. This supportive care model can help manage complaints such as nausea, pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, weakness, fatigue, gastrointestinal discomforts, and much more. CKCC partners with Bluegrass Care Navigators to offer palliative care services to patients.